Mentorship Program

what is it?

Medical school helps future doctors acquire the medical knowledge they need for their careers. Today, however, becoming a successful physician requires more than just medical knowledge.

Some of the skills you will need include:

The ability to use the knowledge to help you interpret the findings in your patients
Excellent communication skills
Empathy with patients
Good interpersonal manners with colleagues and other team members
Desire to continually improve his/her service to patients.

These skills can’t be taught in a lecture or seminar – they must be observed, then exercised and practiced.

That’s where Dr. Abousaif’s Mentorship Program comes in.

About

This four-week course is a unique opportunity for pre-med and medical students, as well as medical graduates, to spend a month working with Dr. Abousaif as he treats patients from around the world with a wide spectrum of common and rare diseases.

As a mentee, you will observe the care delivered in different settings, including both outpatients in the clinic/surgery center and in-patients in the hospital.

You will learn clinical decision-making skills through close observation of taking patient histories, performing physical examinations, and in the endoscopy lab performing endoscopic procedures, which are an extension to the patient assessment.

During your observer-ship, you’ll interact with Dr. Abousaif for an average of six to eight hours every day, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities and experience.

You’ll also meet and interact with nursing staff, office staff, other students, physicians and physician extenders and form a great understanding of the teamwork aspect in gastroenterology and other specialties.

These experiences can help the mentee obtain LORs (based on merit) to help in their objective including matching into a U.S. residency program.

doctors in dr. abousaif's mentorship program

young female doctor from dr. abousaif's mentorship program

Benefits At A Glance

See and participate in managing patients
Learn on a state-of-the-art Electronic Medical Record
Improve patient note-taking skills
Improve history-taking skills
Discuss Gastroenterology topics and the latest guidelines
Familiarize yourself with the U.S. medical system
Learn how to interpret basic lab tests and radiology data such as blood, urine serum, and X-rays
Improve communication skills and confidence
Get familiar with the health system in the United States
Learn how to interpret basic lab tests and radiology data such as blood, urine, X-rays, EKG and PFT
Develop differential diagnosis and plan
Learn how to work in a team of medical professionals
Expand your medical knowledge and build on your differential diagnosis
Tour the hospital and attend conferences when available
Opportunity to publish patient education article in the community newspaper
Receive a letter of recommendation (merit-based) at the end of the rotation
Enjoy all what Orange County has to offer – from great weather to beaches, amusement parks, international cuisine, and close proximity to major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas.

your investment

Imagine the wealth of information and experience you will receive during this four-week, career-changing program with one of the country’s foremost gastroenterologists!

Even so, Dr. Abousaif has deliberately kept the cost of the program low so it remains affordable.

Cost of the program is only $1,999.

Mentorees will be responsible for securing their own travel, as well as room and board.

dr. alaa abousaif overseeing his mentorship program

young doctor applying for dr. abousaif's mentorship program

Eligibility Criteria

CV/resume
Proof of immunizations (MMR, hepatitis B, meningitis, tetanus, varicella, influenza when in season and a recent PPD)
Health insurance
Ability to travel to the US including the appropriate Visa.
Proof of student or graduate status
Proficient in English
Positive attitude and passion for learning and improving

If you are interested in applying for Dappr. Abousaif’s Mentorship Program, click here contact us for more information, or click below to start the application process.

Apply Now

What Other Students Say About the Program

"The doctor was amazing explained everything never left you clueless. You're never bored always had something to present. The staff was also great and always nice. I learned a lot and would recommend it for anyone interested in GI. Wonderful experience."
—Noor A.
"I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Abousaif during my four-week observership at St. Joseph’s hospital and it was a very insightful learning experience. Dr. Abousaif is very well versed in the field of gastroenterology. He is very knowledgeable and is able to pass on this knowledge effectively and effortlessly. "In all, Dr. Abousaif is very thorough, observant, and patient and he focuses on accuracy to a level of excellence. At the end of the observership, he provided a letter of recommendation to support my application for matching into a residency program. I surely acquired extensive knowledge and skills during this observership that have prepared me not just for my residency program but also for my long-term practice of medicine."
—Ufuoma O.
"I had the pleasure to have a clinical rotation with Dr. Abousaif in December 2017. I was particularly impressed by his ability to perform a lot of endoscopies comfortably and treat digestive tract patients very carefully as well as giving me the opportunity to learn and ask questions on anything I witnessed during the day. This skill often takes a long time to manage but it seemed to come perfectly natural to him. He's a very knowledgeable, smart doctor who cared deeply about my time. He was so helpful, was available to me every step of the way. And he made sure our days were never without cookies and coffee! I wouldn't have asked for another doctor to do my elective with. Thanks to the Lord, I found a mentor who fits me and worked hard to make it a rewarding experience. As this elective training was done, I didn't only find the best version of myself, but I gained a life-long supporter in the process."
—Marah
"After finishing a four-week gastroenterology rotation under the care of Dr. Abousaif, I must say it's the best I've ever experienced. I was able to learn a lot (inpatient and outpatient settings), He made sure I understood every single procedure (endo/colonoscopy, PEG, etc) and even taught me how to write an endo/colonoscopy report. I wish I could spend more time learning under his care!"
—Graca Vanessa
"I had an opportunity to do an observer-ship under Dr. Abousaif. He is very professional, courteous and 100% committed to his job. Patients love him and he is a very knowledgeable person. He takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly and in simple understandable language to the patients."
—Nithin J.
"It was a wonderful experience; I enrolled in the eight-week gastroenterology program under the supervision of Dr.Abousaif. The program (gave me high) exposure to patients, which is more helpful and beneficial. One thing that I think is important is that the program was two parts: in the morning was operations, and at noon were clinics. "Regarding operations, I learned a lot about Colonoscopy, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, taking a biopsy, Esophageal dilatation, Polypectomy, Esophageal Varices, ERCP, and Hemorrhoidectomy. "Regarding clinic, I learned a lot regarding how I am developing differential diagnoses based on history, and how we manage many Gastroenterology diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Celiac, Lactose Intolerance. Also, how to interpret the lap test with radiological tests.
—Faisl A.
"I was lucky to have the opportunity to complete a one-month gastroenterology rotation with Dr. Abousaif after my third year of medical school. During this time, he shared his expertise and knowledge of gastroenterology despite his busy schedule. He always made the time to go through interesting articles and concepts with his students. Furthermore, I was able to shadow him through all the endoscopic procedures he carried out where he would always explain any pathologies found and relevant management. "He was always patient, approachable, and friendly. Dr. Abousaif treated his students professionally as colleagues and did not employ a hierarchical barrier. This encouraged us to discuss various gastroenterology topics we were interested in with him, with which he was always eager to contribute to. I’ve learned a great deal from Dr. Abousaif on various topics ranging from Eosinophillic Esophagitis to Melanosis Coli. He is truly an inspiring consultant gastroenterologist that I hope to be like someday. "
—Budoor A.
"My clinical rotation with Dr. Alaa was my first USCE, it was very informative either medically or generally when I asked about practicing medicine in the USA. This helped me a lot in knowing how to develop a good doctor-patient relationship and he gave me some good pointers in applying for the match process."
—Nouran T.
"As a foreign medical graduate, I was not familiar with the US healthcare system. I am very thankful for Dr. Abousaif for giving me a chance to get familiarized with both inpatient and outpatient observership at Saint Joseph hospital and in other clinical settings. Also, I obtained a strong letter of recommendation from him. I strongly recommend his mentorship program."
—Samana M.
"I had a rotation for a month with Dr. Alaa and he’s simply the best! I learned so much from Dr. Alaa. I participated in a journal club, discussed cases with the doctor, and helped in writing the patient reports. It was so interesting and amusing, working with Dr. Alaa was so comforting. He’s kind and welcoming, I would do the rotation again if I had a chance."
—Aseel S.
"I did my gastrointestinal rotation with Dr. Abousaif. He is an excellent physician and teacher. I got to see a colonoscopy procedure and ERCP. I also got a chance to experience both an outpatient clinic and inpatient consult. There are so many interesting cases. I learned a lot from the rotation."
—Meradee L.